Hoi An is famous not only for its charming Ancient Town, colorful lanterns, and delicious local cuisine. Around the city, you can also find several traditional craft villages where generations of local artisans have preserved their skills and cultural heritage.

If you want to experience a quieter and more authentic side of Hoi An, visiting these craft villages is a wonderful way to explore the local culture and discover the stories behind traditional Vietnamese crafts.

1. Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Located along the Thu Bon River, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is one of Hoi An’s oldest traditional craft villages. Pottery has been passed down through generations and continues to be an important part of the village’s cultural heritage.

Visitors can watch local artisans shape clay using traditional techniques and learn how everyday objects and decorative pieces are made. You can also try making your own pottery and take your handmade creation home as a special souvenir.

It is a great experience for anyone who enjoys crafts and wants to discover a different side of Hoi An.

2. Kim Bong Carpentry Village

Located across the river from Hoi An Ancient Town, Kim Bong Carpentry Village is well known for its traditional woodworking and wood carving.

Local artisans are skilled in shaping wood, carving intricate patterns, and creating both functional and decorative pieces. The craft also has an important connection to the history of Hoi An, as Kim Bong craftsmen contributed to the construction and development of the historic trading port.

A visit to Kim Bong offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional Vietnamese woodworking and the craftsmanship passed down through generations.

3. Tra Que Vegetable Village

Just a short distance from the Ancient Town, Tra Que Vegetable Village is famous for its lush green gardens and traditional farming methods.

The fertile soil and organic farming practices help produce a wide variety of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. Many of these herbs are an essential part of Hoi An’s local cuisine, adding fresh and distinctive flavors to traditional dishes.

Visitors can take part in hands-on activities such as preparing the soil, planting vegetables, watering the gardens, and learning how local farmers care for their crops.

4. Cam Kim Traditional Craft Village

Cam Kim is a peaceful area where several traditional crafts and ways of rural life are still preserved.

Among the traditional activities found here is mat weaving, where natural sedge is prepared, dyed, and carefully woven into traditional mats. The process requires patience, precision, and skills that have been passed down through generations.

Exploring Cam Kim is a great opportunity to slow down, meet local people, and experience a more peaceful side of Hoi An away from the busy streets of the Ancient Town.

5. Hoi An Lantern Making

Lanterns are one of the most recognizable symbols of Hoi An. Behind the colorful lanterns that brighten the streets of the Ancient Town is a traditional craft that has been carefully preserved by local artisans.

Using bamboo frames, silk or fabric, and a series of detailed handmade techniques, artisans create lanterns in a variety of shapes, colors, and designs.

Some workshops also offer lantern-making classes, allowing visitors to create their own lantern and take it home. It is a fun and creative experience that can easily be included in a day of exploring Hoi An.

6. Experience Hoi An Through Its Traditional Craft Villages

The charm of Hoi An’s craft villages goes beyond the handmade products themselves. They offer visitors a chance to meet local people, learn about the stories behind traditional crafts, and experience a quieter and more authentic side of Hoi An.

Instead of spending your entire trip in the Ancient Town, consider setting aside half a day or a full day to explore the surrounding villages. You can cycle along peaceful rural roads, visit traditional workshops, meet local artisans, and enjoy authentic Vietnamese food along the way.

If you love culture, craftsmanship, and authentic local experiences, Hoi An’s traditional craft villages are well worth adding to your itinerary.